‘Old-time’ acoustic blues band The Wiyos performing at the Earlville Opera House

Thursday, April 3, 2014

Earlville >> The Earlville Opera House welcomes the wild acoustic blues of the Wiyos on Sunday, April 6 at 7 p.m.

Capturing the exuberance of the 1920’s era of raucous swinging jug bands, Wiyos is touring in support of their most recent CD “One More For the Road.” Their album “Twist” won Best Concept Album at the 12th annual Independent Music Awards.

“The Wiyos, a Brooklyn Based Trio named after one of new York’s toughest old-time street gangs, draws on rural blues, spirituals, and Appalachian jug-band music... the group brings exuberance and maverick intensity to these vintage styles,” writes The New Yorker.

“They take the wonderful western swing of Bob Wills, the blues of Blind Willie McTell, the jazz of The Washboard Rhythm Kings (who at times featured the likes of Jellyroll Morton and Henry “Red” Allen), and combines them with the musings of a Beck with the creativity of a Beatles disc,” writes Bob Gottleib, Folk and Acoustic Music Exchange.

The Wiyos were one of the first “old-timey” acoustic bands to emerge on the national scene riding the renewed popularity of early swing jazz, rural folk, old-time blues and Appalachian music. Their tours of the U.S. and Europe, as well as their critically acclaimed albums, landed them a full summer opening for the 2009 Bob Dylan Tour with Willie Nelson and John Mellencamp.

Admission is $20, $18 for EOH members, and students are discounted to $15. The Earlville Opera House is wheelchair-accessible with a ramp and a lift. Seating is limited.

The Arts Café Spring Series continues with the VanNorstrand Brothers, Andrew and Noah, who bring their finely-honed vocal harmonies and instrumentals on Saturday, April 26. Andrew and Noah are a brother duo in the line of the Stanleys or the Everlys. Their music is recommended if you like Nickel Creek or Solas (CD Baby).

On Tuesday, April 29, in a special collaboration with Colgate University and Writing for Peace, come hear Sam Hamill, one of the most highly-regarded poets of our time. His reading is entitled “Writing for Peace,” and will be followed by an in-depth discussion “The Practice of Poetry,” with Q &A. Hamill co-founded the Copper Canyon Press and began the Poets Against War movement.

For more information, or to reserve your seats, call 315-691-3550 or order online at www.earlvilleoperahouse.com. The Opera House is located at 18 E. Main St., Earlville.